A linux kernel implementation of the traffic flow description option

Abstract

The Traffic Flow Description is an option of the IP protocol that allows end-systems to describe generated traffic flows. Such description includes instantaneous values of transmitted data in a given time. The option enables intermediate systems to assure QoS based on dynamic resource allocation. In this paper an implementation of the Traffic Flow Description option for the Linux kernel is presented. The paper includes both the description of the option, proposed by the Author as the Internet Draft working document and detailed description of the prototype implementation of the proposed option in the Linux kernel. The implementation covers both improvements introduced to the current long term stable 4.1.20 version of the Linux kernel and two helper functions that enable the option to be set up easily. Tests show that the functionality of the prototype implementation complies with the specification of the option, given in the Internet Draft. Results of performance tests show that the prototype implementation is able to work as a part of the system of QoS assurance.